Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Gordian Report: Investments in Higher Education Facilities Up 26%

  • By Matt Jones
  • 04/04/24

Data-driven solutions provider Gordian recently released its latest State of Facilities in Higher Education report, which revealed that higher-education institutions ramped up their reinvestment in facilities by more than 26% year-over-year during 2023, according to a news release. The eleventh edition of the report compiles data from all phases of the building’s lifecycle from a database of 43,000 campus buildings, $13.5 billion in capital and operating budgets, and 1.1 billion square feet of space.

“After last year's call to action, it's rewarding to see campus leaders stepping up with transformative strategies,” said Gordian President Kris Gorriarán. “This report offers valuable insights for higher education authorities striving to honor their institutional missions amid space, budget and staffing trials.”

The report also revealed a number of challenges facing campus leaders. First, space growth remained flat for the third consecutive year, indicating that institutions have recognized the value of restraint. Capital spending on existing buildings sits at $5.20/GSF, up more than 26%. The cost of maintaining existing space has risen to $7.85/GSF due to inflation. Following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, service quality appears to be entering a decline for the first time in about ten years. Facilities leaders have also reported that their greatest challenge is finding talented staff to care for their campus’ full facilities portfolio.

“This year’s report takes a deeper dive into the staffing challenges that have accelerated in higher education and some creative efforts being taken to overcome these hurdles,” said Pete Zuraw, Gordian’s Vice President of Market Strategy and Development. “It is also exciting to see that while some of the current challenges and risks we see in the data are daunting, the innovative energy and commitment to investment being demonstrated by campus facilities stewards suggests there are reasons to be encouraged about the strength of the state of higher ed facilities and the work ahead.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Philadelphia Middle School Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification

    The Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School in Philadelphia, Penn., recently received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The School District of Pennsylvania partnered with KSS Architects on the project.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.

  • Fargo, N.D., Starts Construction on Consolidated Elementary School

    Fargo Public Schools in Fargo, N.D., recently announced the beginning of construction on a new elementary school, according to a news release. The district partnered with ICON Architectural Group and Kraus-Anderson Construction on the new Horace Mann Elementary School.

  • Designing Third Spaces That Do What AI Can't

    In 2026, education is evolving faster than ever. With AI reshaping everything from lesson planning to personalized instruction, schools and universities are turning their attention to what AI can’t replicate: spaces that foster collaboration, community, and creativity.